Gizzi told the ECHO: “It has been incredible. The Liverpool audience is fantastic. They are so passionate about their food and they aren’t reluctant to try new things. It’s refreshing to see how people have embraced street food and recipes from all around the world.

"I loved going round the stalls and picking up ingredients to use in my demos. The quality was excellent and there was so much variety. Liverpool is really leading the way when it comes to food and drink.”

Denise Harris, Managing Director at SK Events – who organised the festival – was pleased with the turnout.

She said: “The crowds have been fantastic. We’ve had a few showers but people just carried on. We’re lucky that we have tents where people could shelter when the rain came but mostly it’s been lovely and sunny.

"We’ve had great feedback – in particular people loved the edible insects zone. I can’t thank everyone involved enough for a wonderful weekend.”

Wirral-based event caterers, Pickled Walnut created a themed pop up restaurant on the festival site. Drawing inspiration from the park, the temporary eaterie offered an autumnal menu that reflects the great outdoors.

Managing director Jamie Anderson said: “It’s been great. We’ve done around 300 covers, which is far more than we could have expected. On the whole, people have really embraced the picnic concept. It’s been a lot of fun and we’d definitely do it again.”

The festival continues for the rest of the week with a wine tasting on Wednesday at the Palm House and events in restaurants across the city.

There is also still time to vote for your favourite places to eat and drink in the Liverpool Food & Drink Awards 2013. The annual awards are billed as the ‘Oscars of the local food and drink industry’.

Designed to recognise and reward excellence among bars, restaurants, cafes and producers, the winners will be announced at a ceremony on September 17. For details see www.liverpoolfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk.